Spain 4 Italy 0: Vicente Del Bosque thrilled with ‘extraordinary’ display

Vicente Del Bosque reflected on an “extraordinary” performance by his Spain side as they swept Italy aside to win Euro 2012 and claim their third successive major tournament triumph.

Goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba put La Roja two to the good before the break, before substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as Del Bosque’s men produced a magical display in Kiev.

“It’s true we were lucky enough to play a great match,” said Del Bosque. “Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.

“We played our own game. There were no real external influences: we were faithful to what we’ve done in recent years.”

“To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players. I didn’t really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future.”

Del Bosque also reserved praise for Cesare Prandell’s Italy, who were reduced to 10 men when Thiago Motta was forced off with a hamstring injury early in the second half, with the Azzurri having already used all three of their substitutions.

“The Italians have played a great tournament,” he added. “They had the bad luck of the injury to Thiago Motta and that’s where it all ended for them, unfortunately.”

Cesc Fàbregas, who set up David Silva’s opener, admitted the significance of the victory is yet to sink in.

“It feels really, really amazing. It’s one of the best days of my life,” said Fàbregas. “I don’t think we realise what we’ve done. But in time we’ll see what we’ve done.

“Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don’t think they understand the game.”

Meanwhile, Italy boss Prandelli was pleased with his side’s overall performance in Poland and Ukraine and expressed his pride at their impressive run to the final.

“We deserve an eight out of ten overall,” said Prandelli when asked to rank the team’s displays.

“We started the tournament with a few problems, we had Spain in our group, I think we have played some terrific games but above all I think we struggled to get back to fitness [for the final] unfortunately.

“The lads showed that if you have team spirit you can chase your dream. They worked hard for each other, showed you can lose with dignity and they have been able to react to difficulties. I am very proud of my team.”

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